Jonathan Welch speaks to Lancashire operator Moving People about its recent award of DVSA Earned Recognition status
It’s a name that, quite literally, says what it does on the tin, to borrow an old cliché. Moving People moves people. The company, based in Oswaldtwistle (a proper Lancashire name if ever there was one) recently gained DVSA Earned Recognition status through a strong commitment to compliance and safety, an achievement of which Managing Director Glen Chamberlain and his team are rightly proud.
And one of the first things Glen did after welcoming me to the company’s depot (and offering me tea) was introduce me to Engineering Director Joe who happened to pass by, emphasising that Joe, and his colleagues throughout the business, are the real stars of the show. “It’s not about me. It’s about the men and women who make up Moving People,” he emphasised as we sat down for a chat. “Joe works really hard for us, he’s a big part of our daily operations. He has a great knowledge of our vehicles, and can also go out and drive if we need him to.”
And driving can mean a wide range of work for the company’s drivers. The East Lancashire company offers a range of transport services, including carrying as many as 4,000 pupils per day on schools and swimming baths work, alongside private hire, day trips and holidays. “The variety in our income stream is massive,” Glen explained. “That stands us in good stead, and especially during the pandemic.”
Introductions
The company is owned by Stuart and Margaret Coates. Stuart first entered the coach industry as an area manager with now-defunct rail replacement specialist Fraser Eagle, where he was responsible for planning transport for pre-planned rail closures, and handling emergencies. In 2007, he took the opportunity to buy a coach of his own, with the intention of only having one, but ended up expanding, growing to a fleet of over 30 vehicles of all types. It was whilst working for Fraser Eagle that Stuart met Glen, who was the company’s workshop manager working under Fleet Engineer Steve Collinson.
[…]
By subscribing you will benefit from:
- Operator & Supplier Profiles
- Face-to-Face Interviews
- Lastest News
- Test Drives and Reviews
- Legal Updates
- Route Focus
- Industry Insider Opinions
- Passenger Perspective
- Vehicle Launches
- and much more!
